Chapter Seventeen: The (After) Life of the Party

Chapter title taken from the Fall Out Boy song.

"I didn't know you hung out with Slytherins."

The next few weeks flew by. Rosalind kept herself busy between work, spending time with George, the Weasleys, Harry and Hermione and hanging out with Daphne, Ares and Pansy. Occasionally Blaise would join them or Draco, but hardly ever together; Draco hadn't mentioned anything to Rosalind about the night at the Manor. Normally she would spend an hour or two with the girls then go on a group date with George, who never questioned who she spent the rest of her time with.

The crime wave had died down a bit, and Rosalind hadn't said anything else about her theory but was still researching when she had time. She never discussed work with George, he seemed more interested in what they were doing at the moment or what they would be doing next, he didn't like dwelling on the past at all. It was both good and bad, she liked that he was so optimistic but felt like he was afraid to bring up the past.

"So," George said one evening in his flat when they were sitting in front of the fire. "If I remember correctly, your birthday is coming up soon."

Rosalind unwrapped her arms from his neck, tucking her head underneath his arm. "I'm surprised you remembered."

He gave her that lopsided, one eared grin she loved. "I never forget anything you tell me," he said slyly. He propped her up on his lap like a child. "So what would you like to do? Dinner, a night out on the town? Or would you like a fancy present instead?"

Rosalind smiled timidly. He was always trying to do something for her, even if it was a small errand. "You really don't have to do anything for me."

"Oh but I want to," he added, flicking the tip of her nose.

She made a playful face then shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know honestly, no one's ever cared enough to ask before." She caressed his face, gazing into his gentle eyes. "Surprise me."

"You sure about that?" He asked. "I might get carried away."

"Yes I'm sure," she said with a laugh. "Whatever you want I'll love it. I promise."

He grinned mischievously, taking a swig of hot chocolate. "Alright but don't say I didn't warn you."

"I won't." She hugged him tightly, inhaling the sweet scent of sugar cookies and cinnamon. He always smelled like a bakery.

"There is something I'd like to do the night before though." She walked over to her cloak on the floor and pulled out an invitation with a large M stamped on the front. She plopped onto his lap again, handing it to George. "We're having some type of Halloween party for work, but Hermione said anyone's allowed to come as a plus one. I guess it's more of a community thing." He read the invitation as she continued. "There is a twist though-we have to wear masks and the masks disguise our facial features so that they look different to every person in the room. Even our voices will be different, which is good for me because I'm already easy to pick out. Part of the theme is to dress up, and everyone has to guess who's who."

"Interesting," he said as he tossed it onto the table. "Are you asking me to be your date?"

"That I am sir," she pinched his cheek playfully. "Will you do me the honors?"

"Of course m'lady," he gave her a mock bow. "Consider it a date." He kissed her sweetly, sighing because he knew what he was going to say next. "It is short notice however, and that is typically a busy night at the shop. If I do need to cancel I'll make sure to let you know before the party starts."

Rosalind scrunched her cheeks. She had a feeling he would say that. "Alright. I'll try not to be too disappointed if you don't go."

"I'd really like you to be there." She sighed dramatically. "Can you please try your hardest to go?"

"Don't worry love, you're always at the top of my priority list." He moved a strand of hair from her face, smiling back at her. "I'll do my best."

Rosalind pouted but gave him another hug. Her heart fluttered whenever he looked at her. That goofy grin of his was her favorite physical feature. He threw her over his shoulders and set her on his bed, crawling over her body. "Hello gorgeous," he whispered. "Have I ever told you how happy you make me?" She shook her head, grinning from ear to ear. "The happiest I've ever been." He lifted her chin, moving into a deep, passionate kiss. She wrapped her legs around his torso, pulling their bodies as close as possible. He kissed her neck, trailing her body with lustful pecks, only stopping when she told him to.

Rosalind laid her head on his chest, unable to stop smiling. "Why are you so sweet to me?" she asked curiously. "You could be with anyone you want, honestly, why'd you pick me?"

"Because," he said proudly, sitting up on the bed. "Every time I see you everyone else disappears. We could be meeting up in a crowd and I'd be able to spot you instantly. Your aura draws me to you." He held her in his arms, stroking her head, the fire still crackling in the corner. "Your beautiful soul, your personality, and not to mention beautiful physique." He winked, making her blush. "What's there not to love? I can't find any faults in you."

She moved her gaze into the ground, avoiding his eyes. "I have a lot of flaws, trust me."

"Well I don't see them," he said matter-of-factly, kissing her forehead. "I adore you Rosie, I really do."

Her heart swelled, beating quickly again. George always knew what to say, he always made her feel better about herself. "I adore you too."

George beamed. "I know you do." He stood up and made his way into the kitchen, setting out ingredients on the counter. "What would you like for dinner? I can make ham, roasted potatoes, lamb chops, you name it and it's yours." He spoke rapidly, all in one breath as if he was afraid their time would be up since he had to work soon.

Rosalind laughed. "Whatever your best dish is, I'll take it."

"I'll make us some pasta then." He whipped out a saucepan and turned on the stove. In seconds the kitchen smelled of delicious food, making her stomach growl. Within five minutes there were two plates of steaming angel hair pasta, Alfredo sauce with veggies and glasses of mead on the table.

"You do too much for me," she said as they began to eat. "You're such a pain."

He grinned. "You love me."

Her stomach lurched, butterflies soaring. "Perhaps I do," she said softly.

George's eyes lingered over hers, daring her to say those words he desperately wanted to hear. He twirled his pasta on his fork, changing the subject instead. "Your sister's coming home soon from Hogwarts isn't she? I bet you're excited."

"Yeah I'm absolutely excited," she said somewhat crestfallen. "I can't wait to see her. I know she'll really like you."

He took a sip of mead. "I'm sure she'll like the family too." He took several bites, taking his time to ask his next question. "My mum's been asking about you. She wants to know if you'd like to come over for Christmas this year. Emma is invited too, of course."

Rosalind dropped her fork in surprise. "Really?"

"Really really."

A knot tugged at her throat. She hadn't had a proper Christmas in years. "Yes," she stammered. "I would love to."

George tousled her hair, kissing the side of her head. "Good, I was hoping you'd say that." He grabbed their dishes and Banished them to the sink, where they started to wash themselves. He took her hand, caressing it. "It means a lot to me that you're going to be there." She smiled at him, trying to hold back tears. "I have an obnoxiously large family though, I hope that doesn't overwhelm you," he added seeing how her eyes were watering. "What's wrong, sweetheart? Did I say something wrong?"

"N-no, that's not it at all," she said wiping her face, looking away in embarrassment. "It's just that Christmas is my favorite time of year and I haven't had the ch-chance to spend it with anyone besides Emma in so long." She used her sweater sleeve as a tissue, trying to look less like a mess. "Sorry, I didn't mean to start crying."

George pulled her into his chest, holding her tightly. "Don't be sorry Rosie, it's alright," he said gently. "You're supposed to cry in front of me, that's what I'm here for." He lifted her chin up, forcing her to look into his eyes. "I'm not going to hurt you. Promise."

She blinked back tears, trying to return his smile. "I know. I'm starting to believe that."

He grinned, his teeth shining in the candle light. "You'll believe me soon enough." He looked down at his watch. "Sorry love, my next shift is starting in five minutes." He grabbed his maroon robes, fixing his hair that she made untidy. "I'll see you tomorrow, same time?"

She sat up, grabbing her cloak and belongings. "I'm going costume shopping for the party tomorrow, but I can stop by afterwards around seven, is that okay?" She asked hoping he wouldn't ask with who.

"Of course darling." He kissed her passionately one last time before they headed towards the door. "Don't have too much fun."

"Not without you I won't," she answered. He smiled, and they departed, leaving her with a knot of emotions in her stomach.

"Oohh, do you have any idea what you're gonna be yet?" an excited Pansy Parkinson asked. "You should be a gypsy, and Daphne a pirate!"

They were standing inside of Madam Malkin's Robes, browsing through the costumes. Rosalind headed there after work, planning to meet up with George once they were finished. The shop was much bigger than she thought it would be, almost as big as a Muggle department store.

"No, I think Daphne should be the gypsy," she replied, pulling out a revealing ensemble for her. "She has that sultry look down really good."

Daphne let out a sample of her tinkering, chiming laugh. "I like the idea of a gypsy, I've never gone for that one before." She looked through the women's section, trying to find the perfect outfit. "It's mysterious and alluring, just my type. What are you going as Pansy?"

"I'm not sure," she answered, taking a look at a cowgirl costume. "Blaise doesn't want to match, but I think it'd be a good idea. He won't tell me what he's going as either because he wants to make it hard for me to find him." She pulled out a flapper costume, admiring the hanging beads on the thread. "I think I'll try this one on."

A small body appeared by Daphne, tugging her leg. "Mummy, the lady over there wants to talk to you," he said timidly.

Daphne glanced over at an astute looking woman, whose pursed lips disappeared into her saggy skin. "Oh drat," she said with a long sigh. "That's one of our clients, she'll want to talk to me about a donation. Watch Ares, will you Rosalind? This shouldn't take long." Rosalind nodded, and Daphne left to greet the old woman with a loud, fake laugh and they stepped outside. She ran a charity with Astoria that worked with underprivileged kids and was always looking for new clients and massive donations.

Ares looked up at Rosalind, showing off his new set of teeth with a big smile. "Look Rosie-Linda I'm getting my big boy teeth now." He proudly showed off his chompers, growling like a lion.

"I see," she said with a laugh. "Are you dressing up this year Ares?"

He nodded, pointing to a statue of a tiger. "That's what I'm gonna be!"

"Can you show me your best tiger face?" she asked.

Ares scrunched his nose, baring his tiny teeth. "Rawr!" He stomped his feet, on the prowl. "Am I scary?"

Rosalind and Pansy laughed. "Yes, so scary," she said as he rubbed his eyes. "Are you tired?"

The boy nodded, lifting his arms up to be carried. Rosalind held him as his eyes began to droop, still casually browsing with Pansy.

A tiny body with brown hair and dark eyes ran beneath the racks, looking like it was hiding from someone. "Bet you can't find me!" It cried, hiding by the statue.

"Who that?" Ares asked confused, looking beneath items of clothes for the boy. "Who that Rosie-Linda?"

"I don't know," she replied. "I wonder why he's hiding."

They moved by the statue, looking for the boy but someone else had taken his place. This one had blonde hair with a button nose and blue eyes.

"Boo!" He jumped from behind them, his facial features suddenly changing: he now had a hawk-like beak for a nose and piercing black eyes.

Ares threw his head back frightened, eyes bulging from his sockets.

"Ha! Scared you!" The strange boy laughed.

Ares hid his face behind Rosalind, annoyed. "Did not!" He retorted.

"Teddy!" A familiar voice came from another rack. "That wasn't very nice!"

A pretty brunette emerged with a fiery redhead, ready to scold the boy. "Apologize to him Teddy," she said sternly.

The boy named Teddy frowned, sticking his tongue out when the redhead wasn't looking. He turned to Ares, swinging his arms back and forth, speaking in a low, monotonous voice and staring at the ground. "Sorry for scaring you."

"It's okay," Ares said kindly. "I'm Ares! A-r-es." He held out his hand like any proud three year old would to shake the other boy's hand.

The boy named Teddy gave him a lopsided look but took his hand regardless. "My name's Teddy, I'm a Metamorphmagus. I get it from my mum. See?" He scrunched his face, looking like the boy they first saw.

"Wicked!" Ares cried impressed.

The two women smiled, finally realizing who was in front of them. "Oh Rosalind!" Hermione said in surprise. "I didn't think I'd see you here."

"I'm just shopping for the Halloween party," she said after she greeted Ginny. "What are you doing here?"

"Same," she answered. "Ginny thinks it'd be a good idea to dress me up as a Quidditch player."

"Because you don't know a speck about Quidditch!" she explained. "It would be funny."

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Only if you go as the Frog Princess and Harry goes as a frog." She laughed seeing her expression. "Is this your son?" she asked awkwardly. "I thought you only had a sister?"

"Who Ares? Oh no he's not mine, he's Daphne's son." He wriggled out of her arms to play with some decorations in the corner with Teddy. He was going hysterical at all the different things Teddy could turn into.

"Daphne?" Ginny asked skeptically. "As in Daphne Greengrass?"

"Yeah that's the one," she said as Pansy joined them.

The air immediately thickened at her presence; Rosalind had never seen Hermione look disgusted before.

"I didn't know you two were friends," Hermione said as Pansy glared at the girls but smiled at Rosalind.

"We're the best of friends," the pug faced girl answered mockingly, linking her arm into Rosalind's. "Rosie here is quite fun to be around." She gave them a devilish grin.

"You guys all know each other?" Rosalind asked perplexed.

"We were in the same year at Hogwarts," Hermione said dryly. "Didn't talk to each other much."

"That's because Granger was too busy being a bookworm and a prat and Weasel Girl was snogging Potter along with half the school," Pansy spat.

Ginny's eyes flared and Hermione was shooting darts, looking furious.

"There's nothing wrong with being a bookworm or making out with your fiancée," Rosalind defended halfheartedly.

Pansy rolled her eyes, already bored with the conversation. "I'll go get Ares, Daphne should be done soon." She left with one last sneer, leaving Rosalind's friends annoyed.

"I didn't know you hung out with Slytherins," Hermione said stung.

"I just met them a few weeks ago," she said honestly. "I didn't realize there was something going on."

She gave a stiff laugh, a scar on her arm flashing. It looked like someone had carved the word Mudblood into her. "See you at work Rosalind," she said in a low voice as Ginny fetched a disgruntled Teddy, who was upset that he was leaving his new friend already.

Rosalind watched the trio head out the door with their purchases, upset that she handled the scenario badly. She didn't realize how small the wizarding world was. If everyone at Draco's house knew each other, why didn't she think they wouldn't know Hermione and Ginny as well? She felt like she had crossed some invisible line, a line that she wouldn't be able to move back to. But whatever had happened to them in their past had nothing to do with her, so she had no idea why they seemed so upset.

She sighed, and Daphne walked back towards them with a few dresses in her hands. "I'm back! Also, I found the perfect costume for you Rosalind." She grinned, throwing the heavy fabric at her. It was a dark red corset with black lacing, complete with a frilly, ruffled matching skirt and black garters with stockings. "A saloon girl! You're from the Wild West aren't you? Go on, try it on!"

Before she knew it she was inside the fitting room, squeezing into the tiny costume. She had never worn anything so revealing in her life-the corset made her waist look shockingly small while pushing her breasts in the air, defying gravity; the skirt accentuated her long, tan legs and the garters were a sultry touch.

"Where are you?" Daphne whined. "Let us see!"

Rosalind stepped out slowly, feeling almost naked. Daphne and Pansy's jaws dropped when they saw her. "Does it look okay?" she asked when they stayed quiet.

"Okay? That's the one you need!" Daphne had that hungry look in her eyes, grabbing her hand and making Rosalind turn around completely.

"Yes, definitely," Pansy added. "Draco won't be able to keep his eyes off of you," she giggled.

"What do you mean?" she asked curiously surprised. "He only has eyes for Astoria."

They rolled their eyes at the same time, laughing. "I don't know, he seems to be awfully possessive when you're around. I think he might fancy you," Daphne said with a smirk.

"What me?" she said awkwardly. "No way, we work together. We're pretty good friends, that's about it. I'm already seeing someone anyways."

She cocked an eyebrow. "Are you exclusive?"

"No really but-"

"Then what do you have to lose?"

"Uhh my job possibly, I can't be fraternizing with my partner like that," she replied.

Daphne was unconvinced. "I think it would be a wise match, you can't do much better than the Malfoy family in the Pureblood community. At least you're not dating a blood traitor like a Weasley, that would be a disgrace. They have so many kids they could barely afford to let them go to Hogwarts." She laughed harshly, Pansy joining in. Rosalind bit back her remark. She had a feeling Daphne wasn't a person to cross. "The only one who seems to be doing okay is the one who owns that dreadful magic shop, but he has that creepy missing ear." Rosalind didn't say anything, ignoring her impulse to punch her in the mouth.

"Are you getting that?" she asked her. "The costume, I mean."

Rosalind glanced down at the price tag, it was much more expensive than she imagined it would be. "I was but I don't think I can wear it," she lied. "It's not exactly my style, and it doesn't look right on me."

"Are you mad?" Pansy asked. "It fits you like a glove."

"Let me see it," Daphne demanded. She took the costume and added it to her pile, taking it to the witch at the register.

"Daphne you really don't have to-"

"Oh stop," she said ravenously, shooing her hand away. "Consider it a favor. You look stunning in it, you'll thank me later." She pulled out a large stack of Galleons and handed Rosalind her costume. "Use it wisely," she said with a wink. She thanked her as they made their way out the door, feeling much worse than when she first stepped in.

Work had been slightly slow. She hadn't heard from the Order, she hadn't heard from Adriana, and Draco was acting oddly towards her. She had a feeling he remembered the conversation they had while he was drunk but didn't want to admit it. Emma seemed to be doing better at Hogwarts as well, she said she was finally making friends. She mentioned she was being teased a lot but wouldn't say why-Rosalind hoped she'd confide in her when she came home. She missed her dearly but knew that she made the right decision sending her to Hogwarts. She felt she was a bad influence, and couldn't keep her around without her someday picking up her bad habits.

Rosalind sighed, sipping some tea, gazing out her window. She loved watching the people go by and wondering what their lives were like and making up stories in her head. Was the beggar in the corner really homeless, or was he putting on a show for sympathy? Was the beautiful witch with the old wizard really in love with him, or was she a gold digger? A little girl was running through the street, excited that she got her first broom, squealing like it was the best day of her life. Rosalind chuckled; what she would give to be that age again, be that innocent. Not the dark, twisted person that she had become. Halloween was her favorite time of year, not because it was the day before her birthday but because it gave people the chance to be someone else, even for just a night.

But was she really a bad person? That was a question she pondered about often-the majority of her problems were her fault and from her doing. She was reactive, not proactive: she never committed an act without being provoked first, without a conscience. She believed in justice, but was her thinking obscure? Growing up she used to think that people were either good or bad with not much in between but she was finally starting to realize the truth, that the world isn't split between good people and Death Eaters. Even Rodolphus, a person who had committed heinous crimes including adultery, torture, and murder still had compassion and love for his son. How was that possible? Why was that possible? It was almost paradoxical. And then there was herself, Rosalind Esmeralda Morana, murderer and vigilante, officer for the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, sister, friend, and lover. And a terrible person.

She gripped her mug tightly, her knuckles turning white. Some days were worse than others, and this was definitely one of them. She could hardly live with herself sometimes, with the things she had done-to Emma, for Emma-and countless others she didn't think about before. Those people she hurt had lives, they had family, they had friends, and she selfishly killed them for her own gratification. She hated how power hungry she was, how competitive and ambitious she was. She couldn't have her sister around her, she would end up worse than she was.

You're worthless.

Those words always echoed in her head on her bad days. Her worst thoughts burned at the front of her mind.

No one will love you.

That's what he told her, that's what He always told her.

I'm the only person that can take care of you.

Heartless. You're a terrible person.

A murderer.

Rosalind's breathing became ragged, and the room felt smaller. She wiped away a tear from her cheek, taking deep breaths and clutching her chest. It had been a long time since she had a panic attack. She slammed her mug on the table, doubting herself. She needed to stop being so negative, but she didn't know how. She was too used to being so hard on herself. All the pain and suffering and tragedy she had seen in her life had worn her, aging her body rapidly. Once upon a time she looked five or six years younger than she actually was, but now all the pain of the last few years had caught up to her. She finally looked her age.

She straightened her blouse, heading to her room to get ready for the party. The saloon girl costume lay on her bed, tags still intact. She felt that Daphne had bought it for her as insurance, to use it against her if she needed something. She genuinely liked Daphne, but wondered what her motive was; but then again she was always skeptical of people's intentions. She unclothed herself, slipping into the racy gown, taking a look in the mirror. She shuddered, feeling almost naked, then reminded herself no one would know it was her. It would be like a game, and she could be anyone she wanted for the night. Her hair was curled elegantly, dropping down past her shoulders, her makeup still mostly minimal, highlighting her features. She slipped on the mask, thinking the results would be instantaneous but they weren't. She looked the same. Perhaps the magic only worked on everyone else, she thought. She had to admit she felt rather confident wearing it, she hoped she wasn't going to be the only guest scantily clad. She hadn't heard from George all day and assumed he was going to attend, which made her feel better. She would find him in a crowd easily, she knew it.

At five past seven, Rosalind headed out the door to walk to the hotel. The party was being held in the ritzy part of London but she had to go through a Muggle town first. She didn't feel like Apparating, she wanted to enjoy the cool autumn night and the various costumes around. She took her time, strolling through the quaint streets with fake cobwebs, acromantulas, zombies, mummies and the like. Some places even had haunted houses. She smiled, slightly homesick. London was great, but she missed the desert. A few wolf whistles were sent her way by hungry Muggles, but she ignored them. Pigs. She cursed herself, knowing better than to walk the streets alone.

An old wizard with a comical monocle and top hat with coattails stood outside the door of the Camelot. Rosalind smiled, thinking he looked like the Monopoly Man. His grayed mustache curled at the corners, and he looked down at the list before greeting her. "Miss Morana with the Ministry, is that correct?"

Rosalind nodded, surprised he knew who she was. "How'd you know that?"

The old man winked. "I've been doing this for many years, it's my job no impostors slide in." He grinned, opening the wide doors and let her in.

The Camelot Hotel was enormous, resembling its name: a long hall with intricate flooring led to a grand staircase that spiraled upwards to an even bigger room, finely decorated in the best materials money could buy. Black and purple drapes lined the walls, fog swirled around the floor, adding to the eerie vibe; a cauldron sat over a fire, brewing several drinks; goblins and house elves (or perhaps they were people?) served the guests; there were rumors that The Weird Sisters would be performing.

Rosalind was glad she was far from being the first person there, it looked like she was one of the last to arrive. Most were mingling or chatting with the busboys, but everyone looked completely unrecognizable to her. How was she supposed to find anyone she knew?

"Is this your first time here?" a hunchbacked witch with warts spurting from her nose asked. "You look confused." Rosalind nodded. "When you look in the mirror, you see yourself, is that right?" She nodded again. "It looks like you have a mask on. But to everyone else in the room, you're not wearing a mask. They'll see you for what they normally see you as. If they don't like you, you might look like an old hag to them." The lady chuckled. "If they do, then they'll stand out. Those are the one's you're looking for." She pointed a gruffy looking wizard, standing by the punch bowl. "See him over there? What's he look like to you?"

"Like a middle-aged man," Rosalind answered. "Nothing special."

The hag smiled. "Then it's safe to say you either don't know each other or have no opinion of each other. To me he looks like the most handsome person I've ever seen." She straightened up her posture. "Watch out though, the magic wears off at midnight. The best part of the game is guessing who everyone is. The only reason you will be able to know what someone really looks like is if you knew what their costume was beforehand." She grinned and left to go after the stout wizard.

Hmm, Rosalind thought wondering what she looked like to her. Maybe the hag was Breckenridge, or Lucille Wright. She scanned the room again, hoping to see anyone that could be a friend. A pretty woman in a Quidditch costume was laughing in the corner with a mummy, along with a Princess and a frog. That must've been the Golden Trio and Ginny. Her stomach pained, wanting to say hi to them but wasn't sure how the girls would react. On the other side of the room was a mysterious, beautiful gypsy accompanied by a flapper and warrior woman with an arrogant strut. That had to be Daphne and Astoria with Pansy. They hadn't seen her yet. She wondered where Blaise and Draco were. She hoped George would show up soon.

Rosalind grabbed a plate of food, taking the table in the loneliest corner away from most the guests. She gulped down several shots of fire whiskey, enjoying the burning sensation in her throat and the slight wooziness in her head. She stabbed at her plate, mostly full of desserts and cookies. Snicker doodle cookies were her favorite, especially with frosting.

"Are you here by yourself?" A surprised voice asked her.

Rosalind turned around to see a stocky mummified wizard. "Yeah, I guess so."

"Why don't you go with your friends?" he asked.

She shrugged. "I don't know if they'd recognize me."

"That's part of the game silly," Ron said grabbing one of her cookies. "You have to know at least someone here."

"I know who you are," she said before realizing how creepy it sounded. Ron gave her a perplexed look. "Ron Weasley? A third of the Golden Trio?"

He grinned, taking another cookie. "Right you are. I must know you then right?"

"We work together," she hinted. "I got us out of Azkaban."

Ron's eyes widened. "Rosalind? Blimey! You look great!" He glanced over at Hermione who was busy with another guest. His ears reddened. "Oh don't tell Hermione I said that, she might possibly go ballistic. She says I have no tact and don't think before I speak," he grumbled.

Rosalind laughed. "I won't don't worry." She eyed him as he devoured her food. "Did she say anything about Madam Malkin's to you by any chance?"

Ron nodded slowly, as if afraid to be caught. "Yeah, she seemed upset her and Ginny found out you hang out with Parkinson and Greengrass."

"Oh," she said quietly. "I didn't know they don't like each other."

"Like isn't the word I would use," he said with a stiff laugh. "The Greengrasses are alright but it's Parkinson and her lot that hate us."

"Hate? What happened?"

"Well Parkinson's more of a bully but Zabini and Malfoy spent a lot of time with a rough crowd. Liked to start fights." He bit away at a gummy spider. "They're not good people to keep around."

"Blaise is alright," she inquired. "And I like Daphne. It's Astoria that's kind of stuck up."

"Kind of?" Ron laughed, gulping down some mead. "They're so arrogant they wouldn't look twice at a blood traitor like me. They seem to have a very select circle of friends. They don't associate with new people very often."

Rosalind laughed dryly. "I wonder what makes me so special then."

"Because you're a Pureblood of course," he said with a mouthful of food. "Newcomers don't come around here often, and people like them want to snag them away to keep the bloodlines going." He gulped loudly, wiping his mouth on his bandages. "George is coming right?"

"Yeah I hope so," Rosalind said perking up. "He said he'd let me know if he wasn't coming and so far he hasn't said no."

"That's good," Ron said taking a thunder cracker. "He really likes you, you know, I haven't seen him this happy in ages."

She smiled brightly, flattered. "I like him a lot too. He's a really good guy."

Ron stood up, clapping her on the back. "You're good for him. I really like you two together." He smiled awkwardly, still keeping an eye out for Hermione. "And don't worry I don't think they're mad at you, they just want you to be careful."

"Careful about what?"

"There's rumors going round that the Death Eaters are plotting something. They'd be the first to know and if they needed to they'd betray you in a heartbeat." He gave her a knowing look. "See you around, tell George he better give me some of his new product. I swear he's charging me extra for being his brother."

"Will do," she said with a smile.

Ron left to join the others leaving Rosalind by herself once more. No one had particularly stood out to her and she was starting to think she didn't stand out to anyone else either. She slumped her head onto the palm of her hand, blowing a curl from her face. A rather handsome voice crept up behind her whispering in her ear, "I was starting to think I wasn't going to find you."

Rosalind turned around to see the most breathtaking human being she had ever laid eyes on: he was tall, muscular, with glistening skin and warm yet piercing hazel eyes. He was gorgeous.

She jumped up, hugging him and tousling his hair. "I'm glad you were able to make it."

"Of course. Wouldn't miss an opportunity like this for anything." He poured himself large shots of alcohol, downing them like an expert. He observed her, carefully examining her body. "You look great."

She smiled. "I'm glad you like it." He touched her hand gripping it softly. Shivers shot through her spine, her body tingling.

"How long are you planning on staying here?" he asked.

"I'm not sure, I was gonna leave that up to you."

"Well there are plenty of rooms we can rent out," he said with a wink.

Rosalind blushed. She loved that wink. "Oh I don't know," she said teasingly. "I might need some convincing for that to happen." She smirked, licking the edge of her spoon.

He ogled her, returning her sly grin. "We both know I can be very persuasive," he challenged in a low voice.

"Try me," she dared. "Bet you can't."

The handsome man smiled, leaning back into his chair. "Feisty today aren't you? I like it."

Loud clapping erupted from the main doors, the Weird Sisters had arrived. "Shall we?" The handsome man asked. Rosalind took his hand once the music began playing, moving to the beat of the lively music. She liked how familiar his body felt against hers, loved the way he was looking at her; it was full of emotion she couldn't fully explain. Almost lustfull.

"C'mon take another one!" she said to him after a few hours of dancing. She had taken anther shot of whiskey, daring him to take more.

He threw it into his throat, letting out a gargling noise once he was finished. "That is vile," he muttered wiping his mouth.

Rosalind began to sway her body a bit, letting the music control her. Her head felt heavy, but not heavy enough that she knew what she was doing. She grabbed him, leaning into him closely, resting her head on his chest. She glanced up looking into those eyes she adored. He smiled. She closed her eyes for half a second, taking in his scent. When she opened them he was staring intently into her eyes, his hands cupping her chin, moving their lips into such a deep and passionate kiss she almost stopped breathing. The jolt of electricity was absolutely different than anything she had ever experienced.

Their lips departed but the raw passion still pulsed through them, enhanced by the music. They stared at each other in disbelief over what they just felt. Their eyes stayed connected, enthralled. Rosalind's heart pounded; she wanted more.

He jerked his head to the side, motioning for her to follow him. He led them out the main doors and to a stair case that led to the top floors, where the most extravagant rooms were. He took out a key, unlocking the door and making sure no one else was around.

"Wow," Rosalind said in surprise. The room had an entire wall dedicated to windows with a magnificent view of the city, and a negative edge pool was out on the balcony. Candles lit the room softly, giving the room a romantic vibe. "That's a beautiful view."

"Not as beautiful as the one in front of me," he said quietly. He cupped her face, lifting it towards his. "Something feels different tonight," he said quietly. "I know you can feel it too." Rosalind nodded, and their lips met again.

Her body melted into his; she inhaled his scent, taking in the moment as much as she could. He lifted her up and she wrapped her legs around his torso, gripping him tightly. He kissed her hard, roughly, biting the bottom of her lip and thrusting their bodies into the wall. They were different than normal but she loved it-it was enthralling to be kissed with such passion and energy.

He sucked at the skin on her neck, slowly making his way down to her breasts and back up again. She moaned; she felt as if a fire that had been slowly kindling inside of her was finally being set lose. Rosalind tugged at his hair, suddenly wondering what time it was. It had to be close to midnight by now. As much as she was enjoying the moment she wanted to see his face already, that face she adored.

"Don't stop..." she pleaded as he carried them to the bed.

"I won't," he said softly, hungrily. "Not until morning." He grabbed the back of her corset, searching for the hooks to take them off. Rosalind's heart wouldn't stop pounding, her whole body was pulsing.

He paused for a moment, kissing her slowly and lovingly. She caressed his face, looking into his eyes. "I just want to see you already."

He grinned. "You will soon love, don't worry." She glanced at the clock-it was less than five minutes to midnight. The minutes flew by and before she knew it the man she was kissing was molding back into his true form. Her eyes were closed and she gripped him tighter, relieved that the magic was done and she could spent actual time with him again.

He opened his eyes first. He smiled between kisses and continued on, not wanting to stop. Rosalind felt around the side of his head, expecting for an ear to be missing. But there wasn't. She opened her eyes mid-kiss, staring at a pair of stormy grey eyes and a different face than she had been imagining all night.

"Malfoy?!"

Draco smirked, his shirt half unbuttoned. "Took you long enough, didn't it?"

Rosalind face palmed herself. She couldn't believe it-she had kissed Draco.

Uh oh! Rosalind and Draco finally got their thing on! What do you guys think she is going to do, is she going to tell George? Let me know in the comments! Thank you so much for reading, it means the world to me :)

Next chapter: I Write Sins, Not Tragedies